UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritages in China (II) (5)

Traditional firing technology of Longquan celadon

The item, "Traditional firing technology of Longquan celadon" was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

The city of Longquan in the coastal Chinese province of Zhejiang is known for its celadon pottery and the traditional firing technology that imparts its distinctive glaze.

The final product may take either of two styles: 'elder brother' celadon has a black finish with a crackle effect, while the 'younger brother' variety has a thick, lavender-grey and plum-green finish.

With its underlying jade-like green colour, celadon fired by the family-oriented businesses of Longquan is prized as masterwork-quality art that can also serve as household ware. It is a proud symbol of the cultural heritage of the craftspeople, their city and the nation.